Brazil's Conservation Efforts: 25 Years of Protecting Nature

Strategic Insights -

Brazil has made significant strides in conserving its natural heritage over the past 25 years, with a remarkable 244.8% increase in the total area of protected areas, from 754,000 km2 in 2000 to over 2.6 million km2 today. This vast protected area, equivalent to 20% of the country's landmass and 26% of its marine area, surpasses the size of the state of Sao Paulo, with approximately 248,000 km2. The National System of Nature Conservation Units (SNUC), established by Law 9,985/2000, has played a crucial role in achieving this milestone, coordinating efforts among federal, state, and municipal authorities as well as the private sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 2.6 million km2 of land and 26% of Brazil's marine area are now under protection, representing a 244.8% increase since 2000.
  • The number of protected areas has more than tripled from 1,053 in 2000 to 3,185 in 2024, with 14 new areas created in the last two years alone.
  • Approximately 1.7 million km2 of protected land is located in federal areas, managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
  • The states account for 794,000 km2 of protected land in 796 areas, while municipalities are responsible for administering 83,000 km2 in 771 units.
  • Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) cover 6,400 km2 of land, managed by private landowners who voluntarily commit to preserving natural areas.
  • The consolidation of the SNUC has enhanced the conservation of ecosystems, supported Brazil in tackling climate change, and fostered sustainable economic activities.
  • Rapidly expanding the Amazon Protected Areas Program (ARPA) has enhanced the social and economic return on investment, with a focus on job and income generation, access to essential services, and community enterprises.
  • The territories restructuring will enable the implementation of ARPA Comunidades (Communities Arpa) to promote the conservation of 23 million hectares of Amazon rainforest.
  • Conservation units have prevented deforestation of 18.6 million hectares, contributed to the conservation of 10.5 gigatons of CO2, and generated a total value of approximately R$130.2 billion.
  • This conservation effort has also led to the capture of approximately 127.8 m3 of water per second, equivalent to 4.03 billion m3 of water per year, for use in cities and the countryside.
  • Tourism has also become a significant economic driver, with federal parks registering 12.5 million visits in 2024, a 3.85% increase over the previous year.

Statistics:

  • 244.8% increase in the total area of protected areas since 2000
  • 2,670,000 km2 of protected land and 26% of Brazil's marine area
  • 3,185 protected areas in 2024, with 14 new areas created in the last two years
  • 1,784,000 km2 of protected land managed by federal authorities (ICMBio)
  • 794,000 km2 of protected land in states
  • 83,000 km2 of protected land in municipalities
  • 6,400 km2 of land managed by private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs)
  • 1.07 billion m3 of water captured per day, equivalent to 4.03 billion m3 per year
  • R$130.2 billion total value of conservation efforts
  • 10.5 gigatons of CO2 conserved
  • 18.6 million hectares of deforestation prevented

Sources:

  • Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA)
  • Law 9,985/2000
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • 2022 Demographic Census by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)
  • "Quanto Vale o Verde: a importante economica das unidades de conservacoes brasileiras" (How Much Is Green Worth?: The Economic Importance of Brazilian Conservation Units )
  • Interview with Rita Mesquita, National Secretary of Biodiversity, Forests, and Animal Rights at the MMA
  • National Register of Conservation Units (CNUC)
  • Special Advisory for Social Communication of the MMA